Finally got to see this last night. While Garbo (who never looked more ravishing) and Gilbert (who looks like a total wuss) have their moments, the affair is not between them, but between Gilbert and Lars Hanson, his "beloved friend." Notice how they can't keep their hands off each other, even as they agree they must duel? As if she knows this, Felicitas plays Leo like a violin: making sure her husband catches them, then marrying Ulrich, then setting him up. Ulrich, like a lovelorn girl, is totally clueless until the moment Felicitas dies, the moment "everything is clear." Our heroes embrace, and we fade to them at Momma's feet, in matching suits, helping with her knitting! No grief over Felicitas, not even a mention of her name! I think the film makers wanted to end with this, but were afraid of alienating Gilbert's female fans, thus, they have Leo get Hertha to stay. When you consider how determined she was to leave, having had enough of Leo's indifference, this is obviously forced, and it feels so.
If that wasn't enough! The kiss Leo greets Momma with -- full on the lips! The pastor's erect cigar inches from Leo, and his repulsion at the sight of the girls! The kiss Felicitas gives Hertha, a kiss more tender than any she ever gave Leo. Boy Howdy! Felicitas's death can be seen as either punishment for her wickedness or God's refusal to give her the redemption Hertha has offered her.
If that wasn't enough! The kiss Leo greets Momma with -- full on the lips! The pastor's erect cigar inches from Leo, and his repulsion at the sight of the girls! The kiss Felicitas gives Hertha, a kiss more tender than any she ever gave Leo. Boy Howdy! Felicitas's death can be seen as either punishment for her wickedness or God's refusal to give her the redemption Hertha has offered her.